🌱 MARTA Trims Bus Service + New Rail HQ Opens + Diversion Center

Atlanta GA

11 November, 2021

5:25 PM

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Good morning, Atlanta! It's Friday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town. First, today's weather: Abundant sunshine. High: 68 Low: 44. Here are the top stories today in Atlanta: Staffing shortages will force MARTA to reduce its bus service seven days a week beginning in December. Although MARTA's service reduction means buses will run less frequently, no routes will be eliminated, and there will be no changes to rail service. MARTA, which plans to gradually restore bus service as more drivers are hired, is addressing its staffing shortages by increasing recruiting efforts, including reaching out to retired drivers. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)Norfolk Southern's state-of-the-art headquarters formally opened Wednesday in Tech Square, off West Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Gov. Brian Kemp, Sen. Raphael Warnock and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, as well as company employees and civic and business leaders from around Atlanta. Georgia's Department of Economic Development estimates Norfolk Southern's new Midtown base will add more than 800 jobs to the metro area. (metroatlantaceo.com)A deal has been reached for a pre-arrest diversion center designed to reduce the jail population while altering the way non-violent offenders are treated in the city of Atlanta and Fulton County. Previously, Atlanta law enforcement officials had just three options for non-violent offenders: book them into the overcrowded county jail, take those needing medical help to Grady Hospital, or do nothing. Now, with part of the Atlanta City Detention Center slated to become the Center for Diversion and Services, police will have another option for individuals with behavioral health issues. (Free: CBS46 News Atlanta; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)An Atlanta man who stole over $150,000 of his father's veteran's disability benefits has been sentenced to a year in federal prison. According to acting U.S. Attorney Kurt Erskine, William F. Dorsey Jr., 44, was found guilty in July of violating his fiduciary duty to his disabled father. Dorsey's father, William Dorsey Sr., is a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran suffering from Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and dementia, and is restricted to an adaptive chair, cannot communicate, and requires total assistance with his daily activities. "Stealing from a disabled veteran who is also his parent is shameful," Erskine said in a news release Wednesday. "Our veterans served this country with honor, and we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who seek to take advantage of them." (Free: Justice.gov; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)The youngest USDA-certified farmer in Georgia is just 6 years old. Kendall Rae Johnson, who farms aisles of grow boxes in southwest Atlanta, first planted the seeds for her favorite veggies two years ago with the help of her mom, Ursula Johnson. Mother and daughter started with a patio garden in honor of Kendall's great-grandmother, a farmer who willed the property to the family. Now Kendall tends to 50 grow boxes, with room for 50 more. "My goal is to meet new friends, make new things, and inspire other kids," said Kendall, who has founded an organization called aGROWKulture to inspire other children to play - productively - in the dirt. (GPB News) Today's Atlanta Daily is brought to you by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Atlanta! Today in Atlanta: Mac Frampton in Concert (7:00 PM) REVOLT x AT&T Summit 2021 (11:00 AM) Art Exhibition: "Wish Me Well" (6:00 PM) Freebird (The Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Show) (9:30 PM) Guns 4 Roses (The Ultimate GNR Tribute Experience) (9:30 PM) Atlanta Patch Notebook Atlanta History Center: "Atlanta History Center's acquisition of the Southern Railway archives from @norfolksouthern include 380 cubic feet of files from 180 years of railroads in Atlanta and the Southeast. 🗂 🛤 ⁠" (Instagram) Atlanta Humane Society: "Last week, we shared a story about Gisele and her littermates, all of whom had just come into our care and tested positive for deadly parvovirus. Now we have exciting news! Two of the puppies, Gisele and Tyra, have made full recoveries and are ready to find their forever homes." (Facebook) Atlanta Public Schools: "Register to attend the APS and Fulton County COVID-19 Vaccine events on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 am to 2 pm at Douglass or Carver high schools. $100 incentives for students 5 and up and their families." (Facebook) Atlanta Botanical Garden: "The Garden Gift Shop is a great place to find unique gifts for the plant enthusiasts on your list. Looking to give an experience this year? Gift memberships are available online and at Garden Admissions." (Facebook) Atlanta's Historic West End: "NPU-T is organizing a Coat Drive for students within the community until Dec. 9. Please drop off your donations to either the Pathway Christian Church or the Westview Maker Space. We are looking for gently used/new coats (male and female adult sizes L-XXL), NEW hoodies (male and female adult sizes L-XXL), toiletries and gift cards." (Facebook) From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Featured businesses: Add your business here Events: Buckhead Prep School--Serving through Grade 4 (November 12) ATLANTA BRASS CATS at the Green Room in Mableton (November 13) Writing Winning College Essays (November 13) POP UP with John-Mark Gleadow (November 13) The One and Only " World Renowned Saxophonist" Isaiah Tatum at Sax Blues & Jazz Café (November 13) You're Invited! Interfaith Atlanta First Annual Fall Fest (November 14) 5 Top Food Choices for Emotional Balance (November 16) Add your event Job listings: Executive Banquet Chef (Details) Add your job listing Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you soon! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe. — Kathy Cioffi Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Atlanta Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at [email protected].